hapter 24 Do You All Have Shit for Brains?
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But Madam Sarah pushed the brocade box back into Tracy’s hands. “No matter how precious, it’s meant to be worn. Since I’ve given it to you, it’s yours. Keep it.”
“Your sister’s been eyeing this bracelet for a long time. Just the other week, at her birthday, she dropped all sorts of hints that she wanted it. I didn’t give it to her. I saved it for you.”
Tracy’s throat tightened. “Thank you, Grandma.”
In this entire family, her grandmother was the only one who ever treated her well. Everyon else would rather she never set foot in this house again.
The old lady stroked Tracy’s hair lovingly. “Good child. To me, you’re the real daughter of this family. It’s my fault I can’t do more for you. But don’t worry-none of my things will ever go to Yvonne. They’ll all be yours.”
Tracy’s eyes stung, but before she could speak, Linda returned carrying a cake, the sweet scent filling the air.
Strawberry. Her favorite.
And suddenly she remembered-the mango cake Chandler had brought ten days ago, forgetting entirely she was allergic. Yes, there was the difference: one person thoughtful, another careless. Being cherished really did feel like a blessing.
Grandma lit the candles, then cut her the biggest piece of strawberry and held it out. “Tracy, taste this. Tell me if it’s sweet.”
Just like when she was a child-she had always been greedy for the first bite.
And her grandmother had remembered. Her vision blurred with tears.
She took the berry, bit down. Tart, sweet, and delicious. “Mmm, Grandma. It’s perfect.”
Madam Sarah ruffled her hair. “Still the same little foodie.”
At lunch she had Tracy make a wish before blowing the candles. Tracy closed her eyes and folded her hands. Let Grandma be healthy. Let my own days run smooth.
Afterward, her phone buzzed. A message from Jackson: Happy birthday, Tracy. May you always smile! Then a transfer of money. She tried not to accept it, but he pressed until she gave in.
Then messages came from Morgan and Lily, too. More birthday wishes. More transfers.
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17:04 Thu, Feb 19
Chapter 24 Do You All Have Shit for Brains?
She smiled as she accepted them all, heart warmed by the simple thought: she was remembered.
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Grandma noticed her expression, and something clouded her own eyes. “You… still keep in touch with Morgan’s family?”
Tracy, still grinning, nodded. “Of course. They’ve always treated me well. They remembered my birthday.”
“That’s good.” Relief flickered across the old woman’s face. At least Morgan’s family gave what this one had not.
For years she had carried guilt: marrying off her daughter young to fund her eldest son’s schooling, watching tragedy claim the girl’s life, one corpse and two lives. Morgan had never forgiven them. Even now, the rift remained.
Her hatred of favoritism came from there. Favor one child, and you lose another. A lesson written in blood.
Seeing Grandma’s eyes redden, Tracy cut her a slice of cake and pushed it across. “Don’t be sad. This year, the first piece of my cake is yours.”
The old lady’s lips trembled with a smile as she accepted.
Through the morning Tracy received more blessings-classmates, colleagues, Natalie. Even
Sean.
When his message appeared, her fingers trembled. Sean? How did he know her birthday?
She sent a simple thank you emoji, then set the phone aside and ate.
No call from Chandler. No word from the rest of the Xanders. Of course not. Only Grandma remembered.
She recalled Yvonne’s birthdays-lavish parties, dinners, everyone gathering. Compared to her own quiet day, the contrast stung, but she swallowed it down. She didn’t need their scraps of affection. She would live well without them.
In the afternoon, Grandma pulled her upstairs and asked about Morgan’s family. They talked for a long time, Grandma listening intently, even skipping her nap.
At two o’clock, the rest of the family returned, arms loaded with shopping bags, laughing and glowing from their day out.
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Chapter 24 Do You All Have Shit for Brains?
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Tracy came downstairs just then, ready to leave so as not to disturb Grandma’s sleep.
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Yvonne spotted her and, feigning surprise, hurried over to clasp her arm. “Tracy! You didn’t even tell us you’d be back. If I’d known, we wouldn’t have gone out.”
Linda bustled up with bags. “Today is Ms. Tracy’s birthday. Madam Sarah called her home for cake.”
Yvonne’s eyes glimmered with false apology. “Oh, Tracy, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was birthday. If I had, I’d never have dragged Dad and the brothers away today.”
Empty words, no true regret.
Tracy slid her hand free, lips tight, saying nothing.
Chase walked in with more bags, saw Yvonne’s watery eyes, and immediately snapped, “Tracy! You didn’t say it was your birthday. We were already going out. Why are you blaming Yvonne? Do you expect the whole world to revolve around you just because it’s your birthday?”
Though she told herself not to expect anything, his words still pierced like needles.
Her good brother. Always so quick to judge.
“If you’re sick in the head, go get it treated,” she shot back coldly. “The minute Yvonne’s eyes water, you all jump to the conclusion that I’m bullying her.”
“You’re ridiculous. I didn’t even say anything, yet you manage to invent entire stories in heads. Do you all have shit for brains? Every word out of your mouths stinks like it.”
your
“You-!” Chase flushed crimson, sputtering.
Trac
Just then Faye entered, stopping short when she saw Tracy. Then she put on a smile. “Tracy, you’re here. Stay for dinner tonight.”
“No.” Tracy shook her head. Looking at their hypocritical faces, her appetite shriveled.
Faye set her bags down and turned to Yvonne, fussing, “What’s wrong, sweetheart
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
